Testimonials
Meet Alison – Inkster MI
“I was overwhelmed with credit card debt until I realized I had the answer — a mortgage-free rental property. I reached out to Michael at Innovative Property Solutionz, and after a quick visit he gave me a fair cash offer. Despite having a tenant, the process was smooth, fast, and without realtor fees or commissions. Michael and his team made everything easy, and I’d highly recommend them!”
Meet Christopher – Detroit MI
“Michael and the Innovative Property Solutionz team are a real good company to deal with. He was quick, and everything he told me he was going to do he did. He is very honest, trust worthy and On time”. “It was a Great experience!”
Meet Joseph Howard – Whitmore Lake MI
“Michael and his team were the best from start to finish! My family was in an unfortunate time. We needed to sell our home fast. Michael walked us through the whole process and answered all of our questions. I highly recommend!!”
You Inherited a House. Now What?
Inheriting a home usually comes during an already hard time, and it brings a list of decisions: probate, taxes, insurance, a house full of belongings, and sometimes several family members who need to agree. This guide explains how it works in Michigan and what your options are.
Step 1: Who Has the Authority to Sell?
How the house is titled decides who can sell it and when:
- Through probate. If the house was in the deceased person’s name alone, the county probate court appoints a personal representative and issues Letters of Authority. With an informal (unsupervised) estate, the personal representative can usually sell without separate court approval. With a formal estate, the court may restrict the letters so a sale needs approval first.
- In a trust. If the house was in a living trust, the successor trustee can usually sell without probate.
- Lady Bird deed or joint ownership. A Lady Bird deed (enhanced life estate deed) or joint ownership with survivorship rights can pass the house directly to the named person without probate.
Not sure which applies? A Michigan probate attorney can tell you quickly. We can make an offer early and set the closing for when you have authority to sell.
Step 2: Know the Michigan Property Tax Rules
- Uncapping. In Michigan, a home’s taxable value is capped while the same owner holds it. When ownership transfers, the taxable value usually “uncaps” the following year, and taxes can jump significantly.
- Family exemption. Transfers to certain close relatives (such as a child, grandchild, parent or sibling) can be exempt from uncapping if the home isn’t used for commercial purposes, such as renting it out, and the required affidavit is filed with the assessor on time.
- Homestead exemption. The deceased owner’s principal residence exemption doesn’t carry over automatically. If no heir lives there, taxes on the property may go up.
Talk with a tax advisor or your local assessor about your situation.
Step 3: Watch the Carrying Costs
While an estate is open, someone has to pay for the house: property taxes, insurance (vacant homes often need special coverage), utilities, lawn care and snow removal, plus any repairs. These add up quickly, which is why many families decide to sell sooner rather than later.
Your Options for an Inherited Michigan Home
- Keep it and live in it or rent it out.
- List it with an agent. This usually brings the highest price if the home is updated and you have time to clean out, repair and show it.
- Sell it as-is for cash. This is the fastest and simplest option, especially when the house needs work, heirs live out of state, or the estate needs to close.
How We Make Selling an Inherited House Easier
- Buy as-is. No repairs, updates or cleaning.
- Leave the contents. Take what matters and leave the rest. We handle the cleanout.
- Work with your attorney and the estate, and close when the personal representative or trustee is ready.
- One clear number for all heirs, with no commissions, and we cover closing costs, which makes it easier for family members to agree.
- Out-of-state heirs welcome. Heirs who live outside Michigan can sign remotely, so no one needs to travel to close.
- Offer within 24 hours, close in under 30 days, or on the estate’s timeline.
Michigan Probate Courts by County
- Oakland County Probate Court in Pontiac, covering Troy, Rochester Hills, Novi, Royal Oak and the rest of Oakland County
- Wayne County Probate Court in Detroit, covering Livonia, Detroit, Dearborn, Canton and Plymouth
- Washtenaw County Probate Court in Ann Arbor, covering Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Saline
- Macomb County Probate Court in Mount Clemens, covering Sterling Heights, Shelby Township and Macomb Township
Inherited House FAQ
Can I sell before probate is finished?
Often yes, once the personal representative has Letters of Authority (and court approval, if the letters are restricted).
What if the heirs disagree?
A clear cash offer with no fees often helps families agree. If they can’t, a probate attorney can advise you on next steps.
Is there a mortgage on the house?
Any remaining mortgage is paid off at closing from the sale proceeds.
Do I owe tax on the sale?
It depends. Heirs often get a “stepped-up” tax basis, which can reduce capital gains. Ask a tax professional.
Get a Cash Offer for an Inherited House
Get your free cash offer or call (248) 716-8811. We’re happy to answer questions, even if you’re not ready to sell yet.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Talk with a Michigan probate attorney or tax professional about your situation.